Early Years

The early years, from before birth to age 6, are crucial for a child's healthy development. Children deserve the best possible start in life to help them develop to their full potential.

The Early Years Branch provides a variety of services including programming for regulated child care, administration of the Child Care Subsidy program, oversight of the Early Intervention Program and the establishment of Early Years Centres.

Going to School in Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia the Education Act governs the administration of the public school system.

Who can attend public school?

Every person over the age of five and under the age of 21 has the right to attend a public school.

Who is required to attend school?

Children who are over five years and under the age of sixteen years are required to attend school. 1

Children are not required to attend public school if they are enrolled and attending a private school or are being provided with home education. 2

How old must my child be to attend Grade Primary?

To enter school, children must be five years old on or before December 31st of the calendar year in which they are being enrolled.

Parents of children turning five on or before December 31 are not obligated to enroll their son or daughter in Primary if they believe their child is not ready to begin formal education. Parents can choose to wait an additional year.

How can I register my child for school?

You can register your child at the local school they will attend, or at your regional or district school board office.

What assessments will my child participate in?

Students in Nova Scotia participate in provincial, national, and international assessments and examinations throughout their school careers. Visit the Student Assessment and Evaluation web site for complete details on:

Private Schools

In Nova Scotia, private schools are not publicly funded.

A private school is a school, other than a public school, that serves school-age children and has a curriculum comparable to that provided by the public schools but does not include a home-education program. 3